Remember the good old days of 2016? It’s the year we’re all secretly longing to revisit, from the nostalgia of Stranger Things and Beyoncé’s Lemonade to the quirky charm of Boaty McBoatface. Skinny jeans and white sneakers felt fresh, and the word ‘Covid-19’ wasn’t yet part of our vocabulary. Fast forward to today, and the internet is buzzing with hashtags like #2026isthenew2016 and #BringBack2016, as if we’re collectively yearning to hit the reset button on a simpler time. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is 2016 really worth revisiting, or are we romanticizing a year that was just as flawed as any other?
Let’s start by acknowledging the obvious: nothing in design is truly original. Those 2016 trends? Many were throwbacks to the 1980s Memphis-style color blocking or Laura Ashley’s pattern-heavy aesthetics, which themselves were revivals of pop art and Victorian romanticism. Even today’s 2026 styles are echoing a decade ago, though some 2016 fads—like rose gold accessories and fairy lights everywhere—have thankfully been shown the door. And this is the part most people miss: while we’re nostalgic for the past, we’re also selectively forgetting what didn’t work.
Still, the digital nostalgia train has some valid points. Let’s dive into the 2016/2026 looks that are here to stay, even after the meme frenzy fades.
1. The Timeless Blue Kitchen
About a decade ago, dark blue kitchens began making waves, and they’re still going strong in 2026. Take interior designer Sarah Peake, who renovated her west London flat in 2016. At 27, she was honing her style, opting for Hague Blue units paired with Carrara marble countertops—a combo that was all the rage back then. Farrow & Ball, the paint brand behind her choice, confirms that deep blues remain their top sellers. Their Inchyra Blue, introduced in 2016, sold over 25,000 liters in 2025. For a modern take, check out Symphony’s Standen kitchen (from £9,500) or Olive & Barr’s designs (from £12,000).
2. A Mellow Paint Palette
Dulux’s 2016 color trends were all about muted clay tones, and surprisingly, their 2026 palette feels like déjà vu. Think soothing shades like Soft Copper, Teddybear Brown, and Free Groove—no harsh whites or neon pops, just calm, natural hues. It’s as if we’re still craving the same serenity, a decade later. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Are we truly innovating, or just recycling old ideas with new names?
3. Leopard Print’s Roaring Comeback
In 2016, leopard print dominated fashion runways, from Givenchy to Prada. Interiors followed suit, with brands like Rockett St George leading the charge. Their Wild Leopard Love wallpaper (£125 per roll) and leopard-print furniture remain bestsellers. Even in 2026, leopard print is roaring back, with new additions like their almost life-size leopard statue. For a budget-friendly option, Dunelm’s Kat table lamp (£30) brings the trend home without breaking the bank.
4. Pattern Drenching: More is More
Pattern drenching—layering prints on walls and textiles—has been around since William Morris, but it’s still a hit in 2026. House of Hackney’s Hollyhocks print (£150 per metre for velvet, £140 per roll for wallpaper) and Divine Savages’ Love Birds pattern (£110 per metre for recycled velvet, £159 per roll for wallpaper) are perfect for this maximalist trend. Sanderson’s collaboration with the National Trust, launching this month, offers embroidered fabrics and stripes that scream luxury. But let’s be real: Is pattern drenching a timeless classic, or just a phase we’ll look back on and cringe?
5. Leather’s Evolution
Leather upholstery was huge in 2016, but today, it’s all about basket weave. John Lewis’s Rove armchair (£799) and M&S’s basket weave cushion (£95) are prime examples. It’s a subtle update, but one that feels fresh. Yet, here’s a counterpoint: Are we just repackaging old trends to make them feel new?
The Big Change: Goodbye Grey, Hello Warmth
Remember when grey was everywhere in 2016? Interior designer Lucy Barlow calls it the ‘all-grey moment,’ and thankfully, it’s over. Terracotta, beige, and burnt orange are now the stars, with DFS reporting a 30% drop in grey searches and a 25% rise in earthy tones. Loaf’s Blockbuster sofa in Broken Pot orange (£2,895) is a top seller, proving we’re ready for warmth over coolness.
The 2016 Renovation Regret: Open-Plan Overkill
One trend we’re actively undoing? Open-plan living. Abbie de Bunsen, founder of a design studio, notes that clients are reinstating doors, arches, and textured panels to create defined spaces. Decorative folding screens and bookcases are also making a comeback, offering privacy without sacrificing style. Her advice? Instead of searching #BringBack2016, focus on what works best for living in 2026.
So, what do you think? Is 2016 worth revisiting, or are we better off moving forward? Let’s debate in the comments—agree or disagree, I want to hear your take!
